buying a 2001 SRX..what should I look out for?

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amazza76

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Oct 3, 2007
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Outside of Chicago
I don't have much experience w/ sleds but I'm very mechanically inclined. Any specifics I should look for. Power Valves? Compression test? Sled is bone stock w/ 4900 miles
 
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Look for for the back end of sleds in front of you coming up real quick! Just make sure you don't pass on corners.
 
I would check the rear suspension over good for cracks, mainly in the rails and W arm. Ask about previous maintenance I.e powervalves, shocks, oil changed in chaincase If its got studs take a peak at the heat exchangers.... Also take a good look at the primary for any cracks in that as-well. I had a nice crack in the primary on my SRX near the same miles, could have been a disaster. Also look for stress cracks in the paint on the hood, or some light blue areas on the belly pans indicating stress on that area.
 
OK, just got back from inspecting the sled and I don't know what to think. The owner gave me the impression that he didn't really know much. He said he had an SX600 prior to this sled so he may have been into riding but he didn't really do any maintanence...at all. I asked for any service records and he said it had never been into the shop. I asked if he had ever had the powervalves out and he looked like a deer in headlights. The original belt was still on the sled. The 'glass looked ok, no signs of collision or repair...the belly pan had some stress marks but wasn't deformed. It started on the first pull w/ full choke. The engine bay was grimy...especially the belly pan...is this par for the course if the guy didn't really clean it or should I be concerned? There was also some sort of plastic melted onto the heat sheilds. If I were to buy the sled, I would probably want to do a thorough servicing. What are your guys' thoughts?
 
powervalve cable ends typically pull through if not cleaned. they are about 60-$80 each?, maybe he would let you check them ( 4 allen bolts each to easily slide them out)

the "W" arm ( front of the rear suspension) can crack if ridden hard in the whoops. can be welded easily for some $$

the only reason a sled would be less grimy is if someone cleaned the grime in my opinion. its a 2 stoke with exhaust flanges that are spring loaded and flex and oil gets out here and there.....
but just a sign of whether someone is anal or rides hard and puts away wet..

srx's very clean and maintained seem to be going for $2400ish
rougher ones, closer to $2000 in my opinion

Ramb
 
I would offer right around 2000....1800 would be a good deal!!!! No matter what you buy you are going to want to go through the rear end powervalves and any other thing you find that is broken!!!! These sleds are just about bullet proof!!!!!
 
one thing i have learned just cause it says its a 600 the last 2 i bought turned out to be 700`s ....one says 700 jugs ...the other was a big bore kit done by hauck ...so i got a better deal since the seller didnt know this work was done i got a good deal twice :rofl:
 
Did you make your offer? If so what did he say, without knowing any previous maintenance you could easily soak that extra $400 into it before you even ride it!
Click to expand...
That was my thought exactly...I get the impression this guy was not a very agressive rider and the sled doesn't appear abused...but on the other hand, how much is it going to cost me to get it running in optimal condition. I know my way around a garage, having done everything from wiring, suspension, carbs, clutch replacement, and exhaust work on my cars(98 Z28 and a 66 GTO)...the thing is I have never worked on snowmobiles...If i can find a mentor in the NW suburbs of Chicago that can show me the way, I'm sure I could do a lot of the work myself.
 
Dude, you already have a mentor, This Site!

It sounds like you're sorta in the same boat I was a few months ago. I bought a blown up SRX with a hole in the crank case and a rolled over, trashed SRX and put the two together to make one. I'm a certified auto mechanic but like you, I had never touched a sled before these two. The people on here are awesome and always willing to give advice and help a brother out. Mines now up and running and ready for the snow!

If you can get it for 18 hundo, it sounds like a pretty ok deal. With a little bit of elbow grease and some help form fellow TY'ers you should be able to handle most of the work. The general maintinence stuff really isnt that bad, and if you get stuck just ask around on here, someone will know whats up or will at least be able to point you in the rite direction.

Good luck man, hope you can strike a deal! :rockon:
 
Change of plans....tomorrow I'm driving down to look at a 2000 SRX w/ 2800 miles. I looked at this sled at the Belvedere Grass drags and had the guys number...I figured he had sold it but I called him yesterday and lo and behold, its still for sale. The only mod to this sled is an 1.25" track. He said all seasonal maintanence was just performed including the pv's, carb cleaning, chain case oil, etc. Hopefully, I will be logging on tomorrow with really good news.
 
2001 srx 700

FYI. I bought a 2001 700 with 1500 miles last year for $1500. Of all the sleds I've owned over the years. This is (by far) the best performing sled. I love my srx! If you buy it, good luck and enjoy. If it's in good shape you won't be disappointed.
 
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